Free school plan at independent

As part of the move Fernwood School, which admits children from Leighton-Linslade and the Woburn area, must boost its school roll and head teacher, Mary Denyer, is now leading a campaign to raise awareness about the Aspley Heath establishment.

It will be catering for children from reception age up to year six and, as part of its on-going commitment to its community, the school hopes to become more accessible and move away from fee paying to a state funded Free school.

Mrs Denyer said: “We already have 85 children on roll, but we need to know that we can fill 150 places to proceed with the application.

“It will continue to be an independent school, following our own curriculum, not doing SATS and with small classes, never over 18, but there will be no fees as these will be paid by the government.

“For four decades we, as an independent school, have provided child centred education. Every child is allowed to develop their talents and abilities in their own individual way. Every child grows differently and learns differently. We, at Fernwood, respect those differences.

“Conscious of the current financial climate we are hoping to make this special environment available to many more children in our community. Thanks to the opportunity available through the government’s free schools’ policy we are putting in an application.

“In the first instance we have to prove that there is enough interest for such a school in this area. That is why we are asking people to contact us on a specially set up email [email protected]

“If our application is successful we would hope to open as a free school in September.”

For more information contact Mary Denyer, Head Teacher, Fernwood School, Church Road, Aspley Heath, Woburn Sands, MK17 8TJ or use the above email.